Cat Breeds - The Maine Coon
We at Animal Friends Pet Insurance are going to look at the wonderful Maine Coon cat. With its beautiful long coat and enormous eyes, they are a most attractive cat, but where do they originate?
The Maine Coon is one of the largest breeds of domestic cat and is native to the State of Maine in the USA. It is one of the oldest natural breeds in North America and its long thick coat is suited to their harsh winters.
There are various theories as to where the name Maine Coon comes from, but no-one knows for sure. The most common coat for this particular cat is brown tabby, with a raccoon-like bushy tail. This led to the myth being born that the breed came about from mating between domestic cats, semi-wild cats and raccoons. Although this theory is genetically impossible, the theory that the breed came from mating between domestic cats and wild bobcats is possible.
Another theory is that when Marie Antoinette attempted to escape from France in a ship belonging to Captain Samuel Clough, amongst the prize possessions that were loaded onto the ship were her six Turkish Angora cats. Even though Marie herself didn't make it to the USA, her cats did - to Wiscasset in Maine, where they bred with other cats which evolved into the Maine Coon.
A further theory relates to an English Captain called Charles Coon who kept long-haired cats on board his ship. When Captain Coon's ship anchored in New England ports, the cats would leave the ship and mate with the local feral cats. Their offspring were referred to as one of "Coon's cats".
It is widely believed among breeders, however, that the Maine Coon came about from the pairings of local short-haired domestic cats and other long-haired breeds brought over by English seafarers or possibly the Vikings. They bear a remarkable resemblance to the Norwegian Forest Cat - a breed said to be a descendant of cats that travelled with the Vikings.
A male Maine Coon can weigh up to 11 kg and can reach a length of 1 m and a height of 41 cm. They have broad chests and their bodies are solid and muscular. They don't achieve their full size until they are between 3 and 5 years of age.
Maine Coons are often referred to as 'gentle giants' and are very good with children, dogs and other cats. They are highly intelligent and can easily be trained. They are very relaxed and affectionate around their family without being too clingy and enjoy the company of others. Many Maine Coons have a fascination with water - possibly coming from their ancestors who spent so much time aboard ships.
